Beaufort County under winter storm watch and cold weather advisory. Here’s what to know

Beaufort County residents may soon need to bundle up and dust off their snow shovels for the first time in seven years. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service have issued a winter storm watch and a cold weather advisory for the coming days.

Over the last week, the meteorologists have increased their confidence in snow and freezing rain impacting much of southeastern South Carolina. This winter precipitation will be coupled with cold temperatures, with highs in the upper 30s and low 40s. Nighttime windchill values could reach near-record lows Wednesday night.

Along the coast, meteorologists predict that afternoon rain on Tuesday will turn to a mix of sleet and snow that will continue overnight. Snow and freezing rain will most likely start Tuesday evening, with the greatest impacts from 8 p.m. into the early morning Wednesday. Beaufort County can expect as much as 2 inches of snow, but it’s possible that the area will see more freezing rain than snow.

Meteorologists predict that that the cold and winter precipitation will impact travel.

The amount of winter precipitation depends on an area of low pressure that is developing in the Gulf of Mexico. This low pressure system will pass offshore and to the south by the middle of the week.

“These two combinations will bring the potential for winter weather across a chunk of the deep South and Southeast parts of the United States, which is fairly unusual,” Brian Adam, a lead meteorologist with the NWS, said at a briefing Sunday. “It’s not unheard of, but it’s a good setup for winter weather this far south.”

Those in need of a warm place to sleep are able to access two cold shelters in the county. Sea Island Presbyterian Church will open its cold shelter from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Wednesday nights. The church will provide showers as well as dinner and breakfast. Those with any questions can reach the shelter at 843-525-0696.

Christ Lutheran Church will open its cold shelter from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. The church will provide dinner and a meal to-go in the morning. The shelter can be reached at 843-540-4299.

The Beaufort County School District announced that schools will have a half day on Tuesday and a remote learning day on Wednesday. Any decisions regarding school closures on Thursday will be announced by 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

This story was originally published January 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM.